RALEIGH, N.C. (March 23, 2024) – Howard University women's bowling team moved one step closer to Championship Sunday after winning a pair of elimination matches against No. 4 Monmouth and No. 7 Norfolk State at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship.
 
HOWARD 2, MONMOUTH 1
 
HU grabbed the early lead against Monmouth (MU), edging out the Hawks in traditional play, 880-876. Chicago natives rookie Simone Ashford and sophomore Cameren Sullivan led the way, rolling 216 and 203, respectively, in the victory.
 
MU battled back, winning the Baker portion, 847-756, and forcing the deciding Baker best-of-seven showdown.
 
In the win-or-go-home scenario, Howard did not fold under pressure. HU defeated one of the nation's top programs in six games, 4-2, led by senior Aleyana DeBrest (Philadelphia), sophomore Sydney Allison (Ypsilanti, Mich.) and newcomer Kayla Mitchell (Wasilla, Alaska). The trio combined for 599 total pins while eliminating the Hawks.
 
MEAC Rookie of the Year Morgan Davis saw her freshman campaign come to an end, recording a 212 in traditional play for Monmouth.
 
HOWARD 2, NORFOLK STATE 0
 
Next up, Howard faced a streaking Norfolk State (NSU) squad, who eliminated nationally ranked No. 24 Delaware State, 2-1.
 
HU dominated traditional competition, 840-740, with Sullivan registering a match-high 201.
 
NSU battled back in Baker play, but Howard withstood the Spartans' charge, knocking off Norfolk State, 868-862, while advancing to Sunday's consolation final. Ashford and DeBrest spearheaded the win, tallying 198 and 197, respectively.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Sunday (March 24), Howard faces top-seeded and MEAC Champion North Carolina A&T State in the consolation final. Match time is slated for 9 a.m.
 
HU advances to the title match with a victory where five-time national champion Maryland Eastern Shore awaits. The action begins at 2 p.m., live on ESPN+.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.